Despite temperatures hovering in the mid-30s and smoke drifting from nearby wildfires, athletes and spectators gathered for the opening of the Tlu-piich Games on Tuesday, Aug. 7, starting with track and field events and a ceremony at Bob Dailey Stadium.
READ: Tlu-piich Games start Aug. 7 in Port Alberni
Nine teams took part in the grand march: Tseshaht, Huu-ay-aht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Hesquiaht, Ditidaht, Ahousaht, Uchucklesaht, Hupacasath and the PA Wolves.
The Tlu-piich Games have been taking place in the Alberni Valley for 36 years. Each year, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) hosts summer games for players of Aboriginal descent in the Alberni Valley and on the West Coast. The word ‘tlu-piich’ means ‘summer.’
The games will continue until Sunday, Aug. 12.
